To say I was in shock when I saw my photo on the voting site is the biggest understatement. I still can't grasp how big this is. In addition to some great prizes, the winner will have a featured spread in Rangefinder and a potential cover of the issue. This is so exciting, that I can't even imagine the possibilities that may come of this.
But I can't do this alone and really could use your help. I would love if you could tell your friends, colleagues, clients, heck, even your neighbors if they will listen. The winner is determined by public voting, so the more votes I get, the better my chances of making it all the way. You can vote more than once so vote often! Voting is open until Tuesday, March 9th at 11:50PM PST. My image is #16 Click here to Vote!
The winner will be announced in Las Vegas, Nevada on the night of March 10th. This whole experience has truly proven that regardless of what happens, it is proof that dreams really do come true!
Heather Wilson, a friend of mine put it in the Universe. She said she was going to write a book about her life according to her, and how people should take control of their lives. Of course, I was intrigued and very interested in hearing more! Within 5 months of meeting her, her first book arrived to her house. That's right. She told me within 5 months ago, that she was going to write a book and has now happened.
Just like many of you, Heather has two kids, and a cat. For over ten years, she chose to stay in an unhealthy marriage that did not allow her to follow her dreams or be who she was meant to be. After constantly living on the verge of being homeless, taking her kids to the food bank, and living on her husband's paycheck to paycheck mentality, she literally woke up one morning and decided to take charge of her life.
When she made the choice to get a divorce, she was a stay-at-home Mom with no job or savings; she was living with her parents; she was physically overweight and unhealthy; and she had totally lost her sense of self and confidence. She felt stuck and frustrated. She had no idea how she would change her life, but she knew she had to.
Within two years of that day, she bought her own house and crossed the finish line at the Honolulu Marathon. Since then, she has also overcome many obstacles including: losing over 50lbs, being the sole provider for a household, creating a work/life balance as a single mother, and acquiring the self confidence to follow her dream of helping others succeed.
Using her hard learned life experiences, along with lots of research, Heather figured out a process that enabled her to succeed beyond her wildest dreams. She continues to help individuals realize their true potential and live the lives of their dreams through coaching and speaking at events worldwide.
I am excited for Heather and love that she put her ideas and beliefs in herself into the Universe and was open to receiving the rewards. Every time I chat with her or photograph her, I leave feeling pumped about life! This is amazing!
Heather will be at Indigo today signing books from 1-3!! Go their and buy one, and get her to sign it! You can also check out Heather's Lady in Red Website for more information on Heather or to buy her book.
Oh & P.S. That photo on the front cover of the book, yep, it's mine!
These last two photos I had to include. Heather's cat really wanted to be in on the photo shoot. The cats name is Aura, and she had an awesome "aura" about her! Aura climbed up around my neck and was so cute! I thought we better include Aura in our photos as she is proud of Heather as we all are!
Congrats Heather!!! Love the photos with the books on the floor!
(02.27.10)Wow, what a accomplishment! :)
(02.27.10)This is an extremely inspiring story! Heather you are an inspiration!
(02.27.10)WOW, I want that BOOK!!! Great pics Rachel..Congrats Heather..oh one more thing "Aura" your soooooo cute.
(02.27.10)That is a great accomplishment, you should be very proud of yourself! Congratulations!
(02.27.10)
One of the most awesome, funnest reasons for doing photography is that I get to meet such sweet, amazing people. I met Michelle through another friend of mine, who I have known now for years. I had always heard about M and how sweet and awesome of a person she was. When I finally did get to meet her I was ecstatic! M was everything that my friend had described and more! I dragged her outside for a few quick photos as the snow was falling so gently and I got these pics. Can you say beautiful & photogenic much????
Oh my! The combination of such a stunning beauty and the soft snowfall......gorgeous!!!!
(02.26.10)Oh my godness, Michell you are beautiful. :)
(02.26.10)Michelle, I am not surprised that your pictures are stunning...you are one Beautiful girl!!
(02.26.10)She definitely is STUNNING!!!!! And I am so proud that is she not only my Best Friend but like a sister that I never had! Luv u lots...xoxo (Awesome job once again Rach)!
(02.26.10)Absolutely Beautiful!!! Model material for sure....great job Rachelli!!!!
(02.26.10)I love snow shots!! Oh and the brick too, wow Rachel these are gorgeous.
(02.26.10)
This was summer of 2008 and it was Willow's first day at the beach. It was the first time she touched sand, or put her little feet in the ocean. Can you imagine? I am pretty sure she loved it. Look at that smile and LOOK at those feet!!!
BEAUTIFUL!
(02.24.10)BEAUTIFUL!
(02.24.10)I want my disc from my son's session at the beach! I will be in touch! I want to save them for him to see!
(02.24.10)What a doll! So adorable!
(02.24.10)Makes me want to be at the beach! Beautiful Images on your beautiful island!
(02.24.10)I am so glad you are giving us the chance to keep our images!!! I would be sad if you didn't! Beautiful Work!
(02.24.10)So sweet! Great Work Rachel!
(02.24.10)I can practically hear her giggling in these photos. So cute!
(02.25.10)OMG These are so cute!
(02.25.10)LOVE IT
(01.03.11)
I had met Leisa the day of the wedding, as she lives in Ottawa, but had heard so much about her through a mutual great friend of ours. We chatted on the phone prior to the wedding and laughed about things we had in common and expectations for the day. When I finally met her I was glad that she was an awesome as our friend had said she was.
The wedding was held on private shore-front property in Western Prince Edward Island. What a beautiful location. I couldn't get over how peaceful it was. I wanted to go back after the wedding day to just relax!
Ahh looks so warm! I dislike winter!
(02.17.10)So beautiful! I love them!
(02.17.10)I wish it was summer now!
(02.17.10)These are beautiful!! Great work!
(02.17.10)Love your work Rachel!
(02.17.10)
Best of luck!
(03.02.10)Gorgeous picture, and an incredible honor! :) Good Luck. :)
(03.02.10)OMG RANGEFINDER!!!! congrats!!!! I just voted for ya! Can't wait to hear the results!
(03.02.10)I've been voting SEVERAL times a day ... as this photo is very special to me....why it's my little Chloe, who BTW is turning 2 in a month;-( Why do these sweet little babies need to grow up so fast???
(03.02.10)Good Luck...you've got my votes!!
(03.03.10)I voted. Good luck!
(03.04.10)Just saw your story in the Guardian! Good luck, your photo is beautiful.
(03.08.10)